The Battle of the Beauty Box

As a teen I don't have a huge disposable income (if you are new to Teen Beauty this post has been written by my teenage sister, as a side note I'm not loaded either ha!), beauty subscription boxes are not only a treat but something I have to put a lot of consideration into when deciding which is the best monthly plan for me. As I am sure others are in a similar position - age and budget aspects aside, we all really just want to know which service offers up the best value for money, time and time again.

The Battle of the Beauty Box

Glossybox June 2015 £10 per month - link

Glossybox for most holds a special place within our hearts, it was the first UK beauty subscription plan and the one the majority of us will have been a member of at some point? Truthfully I do enjoy that each box has a theme and the contents do vary not only each month but member to member too. Not everyone is a fan of the varied contents but I find it somewhat keeps a handle on any online spoilers. The main problem I find with Glossybox is quality - out of all the sample boxes I find that this is the least likely to contain full sized items, admittedly that is not what the service is about at all but when other rival companies are including larger sized products it is difficult not to draw comparisons. For others the fact that Glossybox champions lesser known brands doesn't always go down well. I see both sides of the coin, sometimes you want to live in hope that there may be a generous well branded sample and at other times it can feel like you have been short changed - especially if said brand is not readily stocked within the UK.

Glossybox June 2015 (Festival Theme) Contents:
- Monu Spa Rosewood Reviving Mist (cooling, smells great but in essence is just a facial mist).
- Halo Facial Wipes pack of 10 (a great travel size, can be used to cleanse the face and other areas of the body).
- Kueshi Anticellulite Booster (not really age appropriate, nor do I think a cream can cure cellulite).
- Glossybox Flash Tattoos (fun, metallic and will be great for festivals and general fun in the sun).
- Essence The Gel Nail Polish (three shades have been deployed, I have Electriiiiiic a beautiful shade and formula).

The Battle of the Beauty Box

Birchbox June 2015 £12.95 - link

For me Birchbox was a slow burner, seen as the direct rival to Glossybox it took a while for the brand to not only find their groove but also win over staunch Glossybox supporters. A lot like Glossybox it can be a little hit and miss, month to month and again you are not guaranteed full sized products but generally Birchbox are generous. Unlike Glossybox, Birchbox don't really go in for themed boxes but rather brand collaborations - recent partnerships have included French Sole, Habitat and Women's Health. I rather like that not only are the products within each box well sized and seldom smaller than a deluxe sample (think travel sized) but also from brands you have most likely heard off. The contents of Birchbox do vary per box so again not everyone will receive the same items, a concept you'll either love or loathe depending on your luck!

Birchbox June 2015 (French Sole) Contents:
- Cowshed Gorgeous Cow Blissful Body Lotion (a great size and fragrance, feels lovely on the skin and is very hydrating).
- Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm (tinted, comfortable and full sized).
- REN Instant Firming Beauty Shot (a tiny sample but a nice enough serum).
- Penhaligons Iris Prima Eau de Parfum (like most I'm not a fan of fragrance samples but this is a pleasant enough dusky iris based scent).
- Beauty Protector Leave in Conditioner (I've yet to try it but a leave in conditioner always comes in handy).
- French Sole for Birchbox Shoe Bag (so handy and something you didn't realise you need until you have one).

The Battle of the Beauty Box

Latest in Beauty The Glamour Summer Edit £17.99 - link

The Latest in Beauty boxes are different from the above two subscription plans in that you pay as you go, you don't have a rolling contract rather from month to month and no guaranteed box for that matter. Out of the three options the Latest in Beauty box is the most expensive but they are forever jam packed with well known and coveted products. Again Latest in Beauty don't tend to buy into themed boxed but rather collaborate with brands and people (beauty bloggers no less) for that matter. The downside is that as the Latest in Beauty are so wonderfully packed they do sell out rather quickly, so if you are not fast you are last! 

Latest in Beauty June, The Glamour Summer Edit contents:
- Vita Liberata Trystal Minerals in Sunkissed and full size brush
- Pixi Glow Tonic ( a mini and travel sized bottle of the iconic product)
- Nails inc Gel Effect Nail Polish (full sized)
- L'Occitane Aromachology Repairing Shampoo & Conditioner
- Caudalie Divine Oil ( a great multi purpose oil)
- Bourjois Color Boost Lip Crayon (glossy, comfortable and long wearing)
- Eucerin Sun Protection (full sized and ideal for the warm weather)
- Balance Me Super Toning Body Polish
- Seekers of the Sun Temporary Tattoos (they are everywhere at the moment)

If I was to recommend one box over all beauty subscription plans it would be the Latest in Beauty edits, I have yet to be disappointed with the contents and like that the brand provide a full product menu at checkout - no surprises just a huge box of exciting goodies, sometimes you do get what you pay for. I do feel like Birchbox is the best beauty rolling subscription plan within the UK, the value and choice of products tend to be better value but then again that is just my opinion.

I would love to hear if you thoughts Echo mine and/or your general feelings towards the concept as a whole.

This post contains press samples.